A samurai chooses to serve a master and does it out of respect, not because they are forced. Service to them is not demeaning; service is an expression of their prowess and their pride; they serve because only they are strong enough to serve with such flawless perfection and such consummate ability. It is a source of pride to them.

A very wise man told me that many, many years ago, the sentiment still stands to this day. To all of Amlas I am honoured and humbled you have chosen me as your Warlord. Many, many battles I have fought for the defence of our beautiful land, did I do it because I wanted recognition? Did I do it because I wanted power? The answer is no, I did it because I am Samurai and to serve is what I do.

As a samurai, I must strengthen my character; as a human being I must perfect my spirit. And that is what I promise to do for myself for the defence of Amlas, I offer myself to the lands not as your leader but as your servant. A samurai should always be prepared for death whether his own or someone else’s, I live and love as if today may be my last day I take that burden from all of the people because I am your servant.

Tsu-Ling once told me If you do evil out of hatred for evil, that rage and hate will merely birth new conflict. For my family, my friends and my beliefs I have fought darkness and evil, fought gladly with the knowledge in my heart that I served and did what was right, but I hated the evil I saw, I saw only the ends, not the means by which I followed my own heart and desires. In the wake of my selection as your warlord I have taken time to reflect and to contemplate my soul and the path it now must walk. To hate your enemy is natural and human, but a samurai must be above that. To serve the people of this great land will take more than blood and victory, for in such we sow the seeds for others to hate us, but I cannot believe I was wrong to hate those that threatened my family and those I struck down in the defence of my clan and it’s honour. This left me conflicted and torn. I know this path of righteous hatred can no longer be my path, but how can I serve all the people of Amlas when I still have a family who needs me too?

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I would like to take this opportunity to tell the land that I am leaving Panama. The Emperor needs my full attention, the people need my full attention. Panama will hold the dearest of places in my heart and I will always think of it as my home, but duty must come first regardless of the sacrifices. The way of the samurai is to serve. The honour and lives of every soul in our great empire are best served by selflessness, by my dedicating heart, mind and soul to their safety and peace. I will not shrink from battle for our land and our people but neither will my actions sow the seeds of strife in the future. Your peace and security are my sworn goals and I will serve faithfully til my last breath.

Our beloved Emperor has granted me the honour of inviting me to join his own family of the Emperors court, where I am humbled and grateful to be invited. I shall be joining as soon as I have made my last arrangements in Panama.

It was with joy in my heart that I witnessed your appointment as Warlord with those who were also present, and already you have shown the people your dedication to this duty, and the sacrifices that you are willing to make for the good of the empire.

While this step is no doubt a difficult one to take, I can see that it is with the interests of the Jade Empire first and foremost in your mind.

Warlord Neko, may the ancestors, and time itself be judge for what a Warlord you shall become. For my part, I am certain that we are in good hands.

Tassuro Yang-To

Ear of the PeopleFamily Daimyo of the HaiyūDaimyo of the Jade dragon clan